Ep 3. Alphonse Gangitano - The Black Prince of Lygon Street

Australian Crime Stories is a gripping true crime series that explores the dark underbelly of Australia's criminal history. Season 1, episode 3 is entitled "Alphonse Gangitano - The Black Prince of Lygon Street." The episode delves into the life and crimes of Alphonse Gangitano, a notorious gangster who rose to infamy in the '80s and '90s.

Gangitano was a key player in Melbourne's gangland wars, which saw rival factions battling for control of the city's lucrative drug trade. Known for his quick temper and violent tendencies, Gangitano was feared by many in the criminal underworld.

The episode explores Gangitano's early life, growing up in the tough neighbourhood of Brunswick. It also looks at how he became involved in organised crime, starting out as a debt collector for one of Melbourne's most notorious crime bosses.

As Gangitano's power grew, so too did his reputation as a ruthless enforcer. He was suspected of involvement in a number of murders and attempted murders, and was often at the centre of violent clashes between rival gangs.

One of the key events covered in the episode is the infamous "Great Bookie Robbery" of 1976. Gangitano was one of the masterminds behind the heist, which saw a group of criminals steal millions of dollars from a security van carrying cash for the Victoria Racing Club. The robbery was one of the most audacious in Australian crime history, and Gangitano's involvement earned him a reputation as a daring and resourceful criminal.

However, as the gangland wars intensify, Gangitano's luck begins to run out. In 1995, he is charged with the murder of a rival gang member, and is eventually sentenced to 6 years in prison. While behind bars, he is further implicated in a number of other crimes, including drug trafficking and extortion.

The episode also looks at how Gangitano's downfall inspired a generation of aspiring gangsters, who saw him as a hero and modelled themselves on his violent and aggressive persona. It explores the cultural impact that his legend has had on Australia's criminal underworld, and how his legacy continues to shape the country's criminal landscape to this day.

Overall, "Alphonse Gangitano - The Black Prince of Lygon Street" is a fascinating and chilling exploration of one of Australia's most notorious criminals. Through interviews with former associates, police officers, and journalists who covered his story, the episode sheds light on the man behind the myth, and the bloody legacy he left behind.